September 12-16, 2022 | Week #4
This week: LSC Meeting Agenda | Open House | Walking Math Update | Meet the Teacher | Virtual High School Fair | GoCPS Applications | AmazonSmile Program
Dates to Remember
  • LSC Meeting: Tuesday, Sept 20
  • Open House: Thursday, Sept 22
  • No School - Teacher Work Day: Friday, Sept 23
  • Lock Down Drill: Thursday, Sept 29
  • Principal Meet & Greet: Thursday, Sept 29
  • Walkathon: Thursday, Oct 6
  • No School - Indigenous People's Day: Monday, Oct 10
COVID-19 Update

Actionable Cases: 2
Non-Actionable Cases: 0


Absences

Attendance Goal: 98%
For absences: Email Mrs. Eskridge, assistant principal:
First LSC Meeting of the School Year

The first LSC meeting of the school year will be virtual on Tuesday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m.

Dial in: 1-631-743-6269 PIN: 288 746 274# 
Open House for Current Families

After a COVID disruption, the in-person open house is back! Not able to join us? We'll still have a virtual option. The open house is for current pre-K to 8th grade families. They can:
  • Meet and greet Skinner West administrators
  • Meet and greet teachers and staff
  • Visit classrooms
  • Check student progress

Thursday, September 22
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
School gym or via Google Meet

Or dial: (US) +1 513-788-1711 PIN: 372 602 075#
Walking Math Update

Thank you to the teachers, administration, and parents who are joining together to discuss the mathematics curriculum at Skinner West. Dr. Bush and Mrs. Bae met on September 15 to collaborate and determine a plan for walking math this year (and a high-quality math plan for future years).

Mrs. Bae is organizing a parent Walking Math Committee. And, Dr. Bush will collaborate with teachers next week to finalize the plan. The plan for walking math this school year will be shared next week.
Meet Ms. Jerris, Physical Education
Ms. Jerris is Skinner West's new PE teacher! She graduated from the University of Alabama in December 2019 (ROLL TIDE) with a bachelor's degree in physical education, and then taught at Ray Elementary School in Hyde Park for 2 1/2 years.  

She was born and raised in Sandy Hook, Newtown, Connecticut. She says, "I had the privilege of learning from so many incredible teachers who helped shape me into the person and teacher that I am today."

After 16 years of living in the same house, her family moved to Indiana. Some of her favorite things include: Traveling, exercising, spending time with family, exploring the great outdoors, watching funny movies, and drawing! 

"As a PE teacher, I hope to encourage active life-long learning through fun activities, games, and sports and help guide our Superstars to become physically literate individuals."

We're glad to have you at Skinner, Ms. Jerris!
Virtual High School Fair

Our upper elementary Superstars may seem young at times, but high school is right around the corner! Parents and students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades are encouraged to attend CPS Network 6's virtual high school fair to learn more about school options.

Date: October 18
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

More information and links forthcoming.
Applications for the 2023-2024 school year open on Wednesday, September 21 and run through Friday, December 2. Make sure you have your account created so you can apply!
Designate Skinner School Forum as Your Charity on Amazon

For each eligible purchase made via AmazonSmile, the program will donate 0.5% of the price to Skinner West PTO as long as you follow these steps:
  1. Instead of going to the regular Amazon web site, go to: https://smile.amazon.com
  2. When prompted to designate your charity, search for “Skinner School Forum”
This doesn't cost you anything extra!
In Case You Missed It...
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Discussion with Dr. Bush
Dr. Bush hosts an informal, monthly chat for parents and community members. Drop in virtually to chat with our principal.

Thursday, September 29
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Or dial: (US) +1 478-250-9775 PIN: 430 970 437#
Lock Down Drill

Skinner West will hold a lock down safety drill on Thursday, September 29.

Please email Dr. Bush if you want your child to opt out.
What Is the Local School Council (LSC)?

In Chicago, Local School Councils (LSCs) serve as a governing body for each CPS district-managed school. They are responsible for:
  • Approving the school based academic plan (CIWP)
  • Approving the alignment of budgetary resources to the CIWP
  • Engaging in the annual evaluation of contract principal’s professional practices
  • Selecting or renewing contract principals
Comprised of parents, community, educational, and student members, LSCs serve as an important vehicle for participatory democracy, providing a wide variety of stakeholders an opportunity to make important decisions about how students in their communities will be educated.

Skinner West's LSC meets the third Tuesday of each month. The meeting agenda will be sent to this mailing list a few days before each meeting. Meeting minutes will be posted on the school's web site.
Superstar Athletes

Our Superstars will compete in the Flag Football Intramural League next week. Congrats and good luck!
Save the Date for the Walkathon!

Every year Friends of Skinner West (FOSW) puts the FUN in fundraiser by hosting an outdoor walkathon. All of the proceeds go to enhance students' learning through the purchase of supplemental classroom materials and technology that would not otherwise be possible with the regular school budget.

Mark your calendar for October 6, 2022. More information will follow!
Mark T. Skinner West School
Front Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(773) 534-7790
By Appointment Only